DAILY READINGS

DAILY READINGS & SERMONS

DAILY MASS READINGS

Thursday 29 January 2026

Thursday of week 3 in Ordinary Time

Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: A(II).

Readings at Mass

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*First reading*
*2 Samuel 7:18-19,24-29*

‘The house of your servant will be blessed for ever’

After Nathan had spoken to him, King David went in and, seated before the Lord, said: ‘Who am I, O Lord, and what is my House, that you have led me as far as this? Yet in your sight, O Lord, this is still not far enough, and you make your promises extend to the House of your servant for a far-distant future. You have constituted your people Israel to be your own people for ever; and you, Lord, have become their God.
‘Now, O Lord, always keep the promise you have made your servant and his House, and do as you have said. Your name will be exalted for ever and men will say, “The Lord of Hosts is God over Israel.” The House of your servant David will be made secure in your presence, since you yourself, Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, “I will build you a House”; hence your servant has ventured to offer this prayer to you. Yes, Lord, you are God indeed, your words are true and you have made this fair promise to your servant. Be pleased, then, to bless the House of your servant, that it may continue for ever in your presence; for you, Lord, have spoken; and with your blessing the House of your servant will be for ever blessed.’

*Commentary*

*There is no doubt that David, especially in his early days, was a wily and ambitious politician, none too scrupulous, ready to use any situation to further his own ends. His marriage to Saul’s daughter was one of convenience – he never had children by her. He was prepared to serve the Philistines, bitter enemies of Israel, cheating them too in order to feather his own nest. When he came to power he turned a blind eye to Joab’s treachery because he needed his ferocious military leadership. His cruel treatment of Saul’s clan was ruthlessly opportunistic (2 Samuel 21.1-10). Other weaknesses will appear all too soon. But there are moments of prayer in his life which show why his relationship to the LORD was a model for the future. Perhaps the greatest of all is this fine prayer of gratitude and acknowledgement for the blessings he has received. We remember also his ecstatic dancing before the LORD at the entry of the ark into Jerusalem, and will soon see his ready repentance at Nathan’s parable and his heart-broken acceptance of the punishment of his son’s death*
*David was no plaster-cast saint; one outspoken scholar described him as ‘an oversexed bandit’. Why, then, was he the model king for Israel? He was the founder of the dynasty and in some sense the founder of the liturgy of Israel. Perhaps most of all he was the model of the repentant sinner, admitting his failure and casting himself on the mercy of the God to whom he owed so much*

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*Responsorial Psalm*
*Psalm 131(132):1-5,11-14*